Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) Guide
Quick summary
EWR is United Airlines' New York-area hub and, for many, the fastest gateway into Manhattan by rail β the AirTrain connects to NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak trains that reach Penn Station in about 30 minutes. Book the P6 Economy lot ahead to cut the drive-up rate. The one quirk to know: the AirTrain does not reach the brand-new Terminal A directly, so you finish that leg on a free shuttle bus.
The bottom line on EWR
Newark's signature gotcha involves the shiny new Terminal A: the AirTrain does not reach it, so you finish the trip on a free shuttle bus and should budget an extra 10-15 minutes. The three terminals are not connected airside, and United operates out of all of them, so always confirm your exact terminal before you connect.
For Manhattan, the AirTrain plus an NJ TRANSIT or Amtrak train to Penn Station beats a taxi on both time and cost β about 30-40 minutes and roughly $17.25 on one combined ticket versus $60-80 by cab. Driving? Pre-book the P6 Economy lot online for about $21 a day instead of the $35 drive-up rate.
AirportScore
Our own 1β5 rating of the EWR traveler experience, scored from the verified data on this page. See airport rankings β Β· How we score β
Traps most travelers fall for at EWR
- The AirTrain does not reach the new Terminal A β you finish that leg on a free shuttle bus, so budget an extra 10β15 minutes if you're flying out of Terminal A.
- The three terminals aren't connected airside and United operates out of all of them, so confirm your exact terminal before you connect.
- The P6 Economy lot is about $35/day drive-up but roughly $21/day if you pre-book online β reserve ahead to cut the rate.
Terminals at EWR
EWR has three terminals. Terminal A was fully rebuilt and reopened in 2023 and handles mostly domestic and short-haul flights with a modern, spacious layout. Terminal B is the older international terminal and the main home for foreign carriers and long-haul arrivals. Terminal C is United Airlines' dedicated hub, running both domestic and international flights (United actually operates out of all three terminals). The terminals are not physically connected airside β to move between them you ride the free AirTrain monorail. Note that the AirTrain stops at a Terminal A station that isn't the terminal itself; a free shuttle bus (every 5-10 minutes, roughly 5 minutes) bridges the last gap.
EWR parking rates & options
| P6 Economy lot β drive-up | About $35 for the first 24 hrs, then ~$17.50 per 12 hrs |
| P6 Economy lot β pre-booked online | About $21 per day |
| Daily Garage (P4) β hourly | About $4.25 per 30 min |
| Daily Garage (P4) β daily max | About $60 per day |
| Cell phone waiting lot | Free |
Where the money actually goes at EWR
The gap between the cheapest and dearest parking here is $39 a day β $21 at the p6 economy lot β pre-booked online versus $60 at the daily garage (p4) β daily max. Over a week that is $273, for the same trip.
Calculated from the published rates in the table above β not an estimate. Rates change, so confirm before you book.
π Getting to & from the airport
The headline option is the AirTrain to the rail station, where NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak trains run to New York Penn Station in about 30-40 minutes; a combined AirTrain + NJ TRANSIT ticket to Penn Station is about $17.25 one-way and the AirTrain fare is bundled into the rail ticket (buy a single ticket to 'NWK Airport' and it covers both legs). NJ TRANSIT trains leave every 15-30 minutes. If you are only riding the AirTrain within the airport zone without an onward rail ticket, the standalone AirTrain fare is about $8.75 one-way. Buses (the Newark Airport Express coach) also serve Midtown Manhattan. For taxis and rideshare (Uber, Lyft), pickup is at designated curbs/lots at each terminal β a taxi to Midtown Manhattan typically runs $60-80 plus tolls and surcharges. For most travelers the AirTrain-to-rail combo is the fastest and cheapest way downtown.
EWR vs JFK vs LGA: which airport is easier?
How the traveler experience compares, side by side.
ποΈ Lounges
United dominates the lounge scene with several United Clubs plus a United Polaris lounge (for premium international cabins) in Terminal C. Terminal B has lounges used by international carriers, and there are pay-in Priority Pass and independent lounges scattered across the terminals. Amex Centurion members do not have a dedicated Centurion Lounge at EWR, so most premium-card travelers rely on Priority Pass or airline clubs.
πΆ Wi-Fi
EWR offers free unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the terminals; connect to the Port Authority network (look for the '_Free EWR WiFi' style SSID) and accept the terms to get online.
π΄ Layovers & overnight
A long layover at EWR is manageable but not luxurious β Terminal C (United) has the best food and seating, with a wide range of sit-down and grab-and-go options. Terminal A, being new, is bright and comfortable for waiting. Overnighting inside is possible but the terminals are not 24-hour comfortable, so for long overnights consider the Newark Airport Marriott (on-airport, AirTrain-accessible) or nearby hotels. Because the terminals aren't connected airside, don't count on wandering between them without re-clearing security.
Insider tips
- Pre-book the P6 Economy lot online β the drive-up rate is around $35/day but pre-booking drops it to roughly $21/day.
- Flying out of Terminal A? Budget an extra 10-15 minutes because the AirTrain doesn't reach it β you'll take a free shuttle bus from the AirTrain station.
- For Manhattan, the AirTrain + NJ TRANSIT to Penn Station beats a taxi on both time and cost during traffic; buy the combined rail ticket so the AirTrain is included.
- The AirTrain is free between terminals and parking, but you pay when you exit at the rail station to leave the airport.
- United flyers can connect between EWR terminals landside via AirTrain, but confirm your connecting terminal β United uses all three.
EWR airport β FAQ
οΌ β How much is parking at EWR?
The P6 Economy lot is about $35/day at the drive-up rate, or roughly $21/day if you pre-book online. The Daily Garage (P4) charges about $4.25 per 30 minutes up to a daily max of around $60. The cell phone waiting lot is free.
οΌ β How do I get to Manhattan from EWR?
Take the AirTrain to the airport rail station, then an NJ TRANSIT or Amtrak train to New York Penn Station β about 30-40 minutes total. A combined AirTrain + NJ TRANSIT ticket is about $17.25 one-way (the AirTrain leg is bundled in). A taxi to Midtown runs about $60-80 plus tolls.
οΌ β Is Wi-Fi free at EWR?
Yes. EWR provides free, unlimited Wi-Fi across all terminals. Connect to the Port Authority 'Free EWR WiFi' network and accept the terms.
οΌ β How do I get between terminals at EWR?
Ride the free AirTrain monorail, which links Terminals A, B, and C plus the parking areas. Note the AirTrain doesn't reach Terminal A directly β a free shuttle bus covers the final stretch.
οΌ β Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at EWR?
Rideshare pickups are at designated curbs/lots at each terminal β follow the 'app-based rides' signage. Confirm your exact pickup zone in the Uber or Lyft app after landing, as it varies by terminal.
Sources & official links
This guide is independent and not affiliated with Newark Liberty International Airport. Parking rates, terminal layouts, and transit options change often β always confirm on the airport's official website before you travel.